Warm temperatures and rapidly melting snow cause flooding in Quebec - News - ICFM - International Conferences on Flood Management

The Canadian Armed Forces navigate floodwaters in Rigaud in the suburbs of Montreal, Quebec.

(CNN)Rapidly melting snow caused bodies of water to swell throughout Quebec, Canada, flooding nearly 3,000 homes in the province, officials said Monday.

The flooding also forced the evacuation of about 1,300 people, according to figures from Urgence Quebec, the government's informational branch for emergency communications.

Some 1,700 homes also were cut off by rising waters, according to Urgence Quebec. Flooding alerts remain in place in many regions, officials said.

Quebec Premier François Legault told reporters he was pleased with preventive measures put in place by the municipality and authorities, including the Canadian Armed Forces. He said those who face likely flooding have either already received sandbags to protect their home or will receive them, according to CTV.

The first flood warnings from Urgence Quebec came on Wednesday.

Residents and soldiers filled sandbags on Monday, bracing for the worst, CNN affiliate CTV reported. More than 600 soldiers were on hand to assist residents, the station said.

"Of course, we'll have to see what's the forecast ... for the next few days," Legault said, adding that rain is in the forecast for Tuesday.

"So, if it stays like today, I think we would have reached the peak," he said.

Snow fell in some areas in Quebec as recently as last weekend. But temperatures have quickly warmed into the 60s, causing the snow to melt, said CNN meteorologist Taylor Ward.

Temperatures will continue to be in the upper 50s to mid-60s this week, and will generally remain above freezing at night, Ward said. This will continue to accelerate the melting. Ward said the forecast calls for about a half-inch to an inch of rain, which could worsen the situation because there is nowhere for the water to go.

CNN's Darran Simon contributed to this report.

Floods

Log in

Sign up